Planning the perfect honeymoon

Once the wedding preparations are underway, all you’ll be thinking of is the caterers, decorators, guest list, trousseau and a hundred other little things that’ll make your wedding day special. But somewhere in the middle of all this, you need to plan for the most important phase of your wedding—your honeymoon. Our advice? If you want your honeymoon to be a warm and relaxing experience, never leave this for the last minute. Start preparing at least six months before your wedding and have everything finalised at least three months before, because after that you’ll find yourself immersed in a whirlwind of planning and preparations. So all you need to do is follow these steps.

Set a budgetYour budget will, of course, depend on the place you are travelling to and whether it is within the country or abroad. It will need to cover everything from the tickets to the cost of the hotel and additional expenses like shopping, travelling within the place or visiting a popular tourist spot close to your destination. Before you finaliseDecide on a mutually agreeable destination: First and foremost, ensure that both of you agree on the honeymoon destination. The best way to do this is to first independently list down your options and then compare and shortlist, till you have a winner. Discuss how many days both of you can spare: Confirm how many days can be spent on the honeymoon, so you can both decide how far you can travel and how many places you can visit.

Focus on relaxation and leisure: After the many festivities of the wedding, it might take all your effort just to board a plane. So opt for a destination that centres around relaxation. If you intend to make it more than a one-stop holiday, arrange for the first stop to be relaxing and leave the more adrenaline-pumping activities for the next destination.

Consider accessibility: It’s best to avoid isolated, romantic getaways situated in remote areas, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest airport. You’ll save up on time and energy. When choosing a hotel

Don’t be too adventurous: No matter how much of a do-it-yourself traveller you may be, it’s best to go the tried-and-tested way when choosing a hotel. Pick a well-known hotel that is close to all the major attractions in your chosen destination.

Arrange for airport transfers and local transport: Asking for directions in a strange place has never made for the perfect romantic moment. To avoid being lost in a new place, check whether the hotel offers airport pickups and drops, and also for travel around the area.

Check for wellness treatments and special facilities: Weddings have been known to break even the fittest contenders, and a day at the spa can be a godsend. Hotels also offer honeymoon packages and can even organise a romantic evening with candlelight dinners and roses.

Other activities: If you are afraid that you might get bored of just relaxing through the holiday, check whether the hotel can arrange more interesting activities for you.

Have your documents ready

Employ a travel agent: Once you have zeroed in on your destination, consult a travel agent regarding visas and other documents required for travelling. Ensure your documents are valid: If you’re travelling abroad, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure.Carry your driver’s licence: It never does any harm to have a valid driver’s license wherever you are. In some countries, you can drive with an Indian license, while others require an international driver’s license.

Travel agent talk

Anju Tandon, director of Faraway Places, is an expert at organising honeymoons. She recommends the best travel destinations within your budget.

Budget (Below `1 lakh)

Bask in the backwaters of Kerala or explore India’s royal past in the havelis of Rajasthan. If you enjoy the beach life, visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or spend a week relaxing on the sandy beaches of Thailand, Malaysia, Mauritius or Sri Lanka.

Mid-range (`1 lakh to `5 lakh)Go off the beaten track and explore India’s lesser known neighbour, Bhutan. Or clear your head with the cool mountain breeze as you spend your honeymoon at a Himalayan luxury hotel like the Ananda Spa. Or trot through Europe and pamper yourselves with exotic foods and wines. Or add adventure to your holiday, with scenic destinations like South Africa, Kenya, Australia or New Zealand.

Luxury (Above `5 lakh)Bask in the sun at an exclusive beach resort in Argentina, Brazil, Tahiti or Fiji. Drink, relax and dance the night away on a luxury cruise. Train travel in India will take on a whole new meaning, as you spend your time on board The Palace On Wheels, India’s first luxury train.

From the horses’ mouth Khipra Shankar, married two years “My advice is to check on travel distances using an online mapping tool. This will help you find a centralised hotel. It allowed me to have a clockwork honeymoon without missing out on places to be.”

Stutu Jaishankar, married four years “What I’ve realised is that there is only so much time you can spend in your hotel. I would suggest calling your hotel beforehand and figuring out fun activities in and around your area. Also check whether the hotel offers transfer services, at least from the airport to the hotel and back, and even to the popular spots.”